WEC Energy Group (WEC) vs Xcel Energy (XEL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
WEC Energy Group (WEC) has outperformed Xcel Energy (XEL) over the past year, losing 10.4% versus a loss of 11.5%. Over five years, WEC leads with a +14.6% price change compared with +9.8% for XEL. Xcel Energy is the larger company by market cap ($45.40 billion vs $33.62 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while WEC Energy Group is growing revenue faster (+14.0% vs +9.1%).
On valuation, Xcel Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (16.0x vs 17.2x for WEC Energy Group). WEC Energy Group offers the higher dividend yield (3.58% vs 3.20%). WEC Energy Group converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.9% versus 13.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | WEC | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $103.17 | $72.69 |
| Market cap | $33.62B | $45.40B |
| 1-day change | -0.01% | +0.37% |
| YTD return | -2.16% | -1.95% |
| 1-year return | -10.43% | -11.52% |
| 5-year return | +14.56% | +9.84% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.03 | 19.92 |
| Forward P/E | 17.20 | 16.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.15 | $3.65 |
| Dividend yield | 3.58% | 3.20% |
| Annual dividend | $3.69 | $2.33 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $9.80B | $14.67B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +13.96% | +9.14% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.56B | $2.02B |
| Gross margin | 66.68% | — |
| Operating margin | 22.91% | 17.61% |
| Net margin | 15.87% | 13.76% |
| 52-week high | $119.91 | $84.23 |
| 52-week low | $99.80 | $68.72 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.96% | -13.70% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.56% | +24.65% |
| Average volume | 2.43M | 5.31M |
| Shares outstanding | 325.85M | 624.63M |
| Employees | 7,000 | 11,534 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Power Generation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
About WEC Energy Group
WEC stock →WEC Energy Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, and Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure segments.
Utilities · Power Generation · 7,000 employees
About Xcel Energy
XEL stock →Xcel Energy Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas delivery company in the United States. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility and Regulated Natural Gas Utility segments.
Utilities · Power Generation · 11,534 employees
WEC vs XEL FAQ
Which is bigger, WEC Energy Group or Xcel Energy?
Xcel Energy (XEL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $45.40B compared with $33.62B for WEC Energy Group (WEC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, WEC or XEL?
WEC returned -10.43% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.52% for XEL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, WEC or XEL?
XEL has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, versus 20.0 for WEC. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, WEC Energy Group or Xcel Energy?
WEC Energy Group has the higher yield at 3.58%, compared with 3.20% for Xcel Energy.
Are WEC Energy Group and Xcel Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.